CATSA News Release

For Immediate Release

December 13, 2005

Avoid the Holiday Travel Grinch:
Packing Do's & Don'ts for Food, Alcohol and Gifts

OTTAWA - The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is issuing its holiday checklist to ensure a merry flight this busy travel season.

As thousands of Canadians plan their flights, CATSA is reminding them to keep air travel security in mind.

"The job of airport screening officers is security, first and foremost. With the heavy passenger volume in the coming weeks, frontline officers face the tough job of keeping pre-board screening lines flowing while ensuring travelers fly safely," said Jacques Duchesneau, CATSA President and Chief Executive Officer.

"This is the season for joy and patience. People need to expect line-ups at airports. Passengers are our most important allies in security. To help screening officers do their job efficiently and to avoid delays, passengers need to do their part and pack smart for their flight," Duchesneau added.

Holiday Travel Tips:

Alcoholic beverages must be in their original container, indicating alcohol content, with the commercial seal intact. Homemade wine/beer and any alcoholic beverages with an unknown alcohol content (%) will not be accepted in carry-on or checked baggage.

Food products should be packed in your carry-on baggage. When placed in checked baggage, certain food items may require additional searches, which can cause delays. Forks and spoons are allowed in carry-on baggage, but all knives must be packed in checked baggage.

Gifts should be left unwrapped. Their contents may need to be inspected.

All cameras must be inspected by X-ray. Camera film should be packed in carry-on baggage. X-ray equipment at pre-board screening points will not damage film under 800 ASA/ISO. Most amateur photographers use film in the 100-400 ISO/ASA range. For film over 800 ASA/ISO, you may request a hand search, in which case you must take the film out of your camera. Digital disks are unaffected and can be packed in any baggage.

Medication, including homeopathic medicines, are permitted in carry-on baggage but must be properly labelled or accompanied by a prescription. Syringes, hypodermic needles and biojectors are permitted in carry-on baggage providing needle guards are in place and they are accompanied by properly labelled medication.

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Contact: CATSA Communications, 613-998-4527 http://www.catsa.gc.ca